Vehicle Description
Spectacular 13,553 original mile car. Beautiful and rare color
combination 50th Anniversary model. Two tops. Expertly maintained,
never used in foul weather, adult owned. A hassle-free way to own a
desirable collector car that's welcome anywhere!Special cars remain
special, and the love with which these latest Thunderbirds are
treated shows in cars like this Steel Blue 2005 example. These were
collectors' items almost from the start, so very few ever saw day
driver duty and that is the case here-with only 13,553 original
miles, this car was exclusively a sunny weather driver. The
gorgeous blue paint glows in the sunlight and it's exactly the
right color for Ford's sporting two-seater, both then and now.
Retro cues include the chrome grille with twin fog lights that
emulate the original bumper, a hood scoop, and the twin
afterburner-style taillights out back. In between you get a sleek,
clean, and largely uncluttered ragtop that always attracts
appreciative stares. It gets just as much attention as a vintage
T-Bird without the hassles. And its status as a collector piece
shows, because there are no major chips or scratches, certainly no
rust, and it has never been hit or damaged. Just a clean car ready
to enjoy.Black leather with silver dashboard accents and
turquoise-like inlays on the steering wheel and gauges really look
awesome. The upholstery is in fantastic shape and the carpets have
been protected by both factory floor mats from the very beginning,
so they're almost like new. Everything was standard on these cars,
including power windows, seats, locks, and mirrors, automatic
climate control, cruise control, and a powerful AM/FM/CD stereo
system that sounds great even at speed with the top down.
Everything works, of course, and the black canvas power convertible
top powers itself up and down with the touch of a button, unlike
the original (which was a real wrestling match). There's also a
decent-sized trunk in back that's perfectly adequate for two people
on an adventure. This car also includes the optional $2000 porthole
hardtop and stand.A 3.9-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 engine was the only
choice in these Thunderbirds, and it's a good one. It's the same
smooth V8 that lived in the Lincoln LS, making 252 horsepower and
267 pounds of torque-enough to make the T-Bird feel downright
quick. It's not quite as pretty as the original Y-block with its
finned aluminum valve covers but with modern electronic controls it
fires instantly and idles perfectly every time, no matter the
weather. No 1950s car could ever do that. It has obviously been
properly maintained but as with most modern cars, it really doesn't
need much more than gas and oil and the last 20 years have proven
that these cars are very reliable machines. And having served in a
Lincoln, it's impeccably smooth, both at idle and on the roll. The
engine bay is extremely clean, showing zero signs of foul weather
or neglect and parts are still readily available today so it's easy
to keep it in top shape. The only transmission available in the
Thunderbird was a 5-speed automatic that's a good match for the
car's relaxed demeanor-quick shifts around town but a tall, relaxed
overdrive for high-speed cruising. The suspension is fully
independent, which gives it great reflexes and there's a big disc
brake at all four corners. The dual exhaust system offers a muted
V8 soundtrack, enough to be a little muscular but never overbearing
and the twin chrome tips out back look awesome peeking out from
under the rear bumper. 17-inch alloy wheels and 235/50/17 Michelin
Pilot radials are fitted, so it rides and handles superbly.
Documentation includes the factory manuals in their original
zippered case. If you're someone who's looking for a special
interest car that's welcome at almost any show but you're not
really into maintaining an old car or driving a garden-variety
Mustang, the late-model Thunderbird is an ideal choice. Stylish,
comfortable, and fast, it is as appealing today as the original was
in 1955. And with all the modern conveniences, it asks for nothing
from the driver beyond a tank of gas, a sunny sky, and an open
road. Call today!Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes
personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our
inventory prior to purchase.
